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Air New Zealand selects Dreamliner for growth
“The game changer for us has been that by working closely with Boeing, we’ve ensured the 787-10 will meet our network needs, including the ability to fly missions similar to our current 777-200 fleet."
May 28, 2019 By Wings Staff
Air New Zealand plans to add the largest 787 Dreamliner model to its fleet with a commitment to buy eight 787-10 airplanes valued at US$2.7 billion at list prices. The carrier, which based on geography relies on its global network and long-range operations, explains the 787-10 complements its current 787-9 and 777 fleet by offering more seats and greater efficiency.
“This is a hugely important decision for our airline. With the 787-10 offering around 15 per cent more space for both customers and cargo than the 787-9, this investment creates the platform for our future strategic direction and opens up new opportunities to grow,” said Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon. “The 787-10 is longer and even more fuel efficient. However, the game changer for us has been that by working closely with Boeing, we’ve ensured the 787-10 will meet our network needs, including the ability to fly missions similar to our current 777-200 fleet.”
The 787-10 is the largest member of the Dreamliner family. At 224 feet long (68 metres), the 787-10 can serve up to 330 passengers in a standard two-class configuration, about 40 more than the 787-9 airplane. Boeing states the new airplane allows operators to achieve 25 per cent better fuel efficiency per seat compared to the previous airplanes.
“Air New Zealand is one of the world’s leading long-haul carriers that has built an amazing network to connect the South Pacific with Asia and the Americas… with the 777 and now the 787-9 and 787-10, Air New Zealand will have an incredible widebody family to serve its passengers and grow its international network in the years ahead,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, The Boeing Company.
Air New Zealand was a global launch customer for the 787-9 and today operates 13 of the Dreamliner variant. With another 787-9 on the way and the 787-10 airplanes in the future, the airline’s Dreamliner fleet will grow to 22. Air New Zealand’s widebody fleet also includes seven 777-300ERs and eight 777-200ERs, which it is progressively replacing with the 787-10 order.
